What If Your Package Was Forwarded To The Wrong Address?

We’ve all been in that dilemma of one or a few things going wrong with our packages. Your package will arrive ruined, too late, or sometimes not arrive.

You’ve just discovered that your package is “forwarded” and don’t know what to do. So, let’s see what this status means and handle it with the least cost and wasted time.

Table of Contents

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• Understanding USPS Mail Forwarding
• What does forwarded for a package mean?
• Why was my package forwarded?
• How can you fix this?
• How do you track a forwarded package on USPS?
• A better alternative to USPS mail forwarding?

Understanding USPS Mail Forwarding

Mail forwarding is a handy service offered by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that allows individuals and businesses to redirect their mail and packages to a different address. This is especially helpful for those moving to a new location, traveling temporarily, or wanting to receive mail anywhere else.

When moving, setting up mail forwarding ensures important mail gets to your new home without interruption. Or if you’re traveling or temporarily living elsewhere, you can have mail sent to your current address so you don’t miss important deliveries. Businesses can also use mail forwarding to send correspondence to a different office or branch.

Both senders and recipients can set up mail forwarding, which can be for a temporary period or a permanent address change. With its flexibility, mail forwarding allows you to get USPS mail and packages wherever you are, making it an excellent tool for managing your mail.

What does forwarded for a package mean?

USPS forwarding your package means sending it to a different address than usual. This is usually the case if you move and apply for a change of address. However, if you didn’t move, this means something went wrong.

Why was my package forwarded?

USPS forwarded your package in two cases. The first case is if a previous resident at your address recently moved out and accidentally changed your address along with theirs.

In the second case, the sender forwarded your package to an incorrect address. In both cases, you don’t get your package.

How can you fix this?

Case #1:

First, you need to contact USPS to check the delivery of your package. If they forwarded it to a previous resident’s new address, you can contact them and have them send you the package or return it to the Post Office.

The package will be at the MCR (Mail Recovery Center), so you can claim it, or USPS will return it to the sender.

Case #2:

If they forward your package to the wrong address, you should contact the sender or the Post Office. The sender can try to retrieve the package and handle the issue with the Post Office.

To track a USPS forwarded package, use the unique tracking number provided at shipment. The USPS tracking system updates the status of the forwarded package to reflect its new destination, allowing for continuous monitoring.

A wrong address can be one incorrect digit in the postal code or a suite number. This can change the whole address, so you must be careful when giving out your address.

The person who received your package will return it to the Post Office or the mailman. If the person decides not to, you must contact the sender about resending the package, refunding you, or opening a lost package case at the Post Office.

Whether or not they will recharge you depends on the insurance on your package. You may bear the shipping fees or the product charge.

You must contact the sender and confirm the correct address to avoid happening again in both cases.

How do you track a forwarded package on USPS?

1. USPS provides a tracking number when you send or order a package.
2. Visit the USPS Track & Confirm webpage to enter the number and see the current status.
3. Enter your tracking number.
4. You will have the status of your package.
5. You can also sign up for email alerts when there is an update.
6. USPS has tracking apps for Android and iOS.
7. Call 1-800-222-1811 and follow the prompts to track.

A better alternative to USPS mail forwarding?

You can use a CMRA (Commercial Mail Receiving Agency) for better mail handling. They offer virtual mailboxes that make mail forwarding easier and more efficient. Have your mail forwarded to you or any other address using a virtual mailbox service. There is no need to go to the Post Office or apply for a change of address.

A digital mailbox offers complete control over your mail from your phone or computer. You can sort your postal mail like you do your email. This cost-effective solution saves you time wasted on missing packages.

Virtual mailboxes offer digital mail services like forwarding, shredding & recycling, or archiving, which are available. Plus, you get an alternative street address besides your home address!

Virtual mailbox service is a phenomenon that is quickly taking over the postal world and solving all mail problems, one problem at a time.

We hope you enjoyed this article. If so, you might enjoy these resources:

• Best Parcel Forwarding Services for Online Shoppers
• How to Cancel USPS Mail Forwarding
• Benefits of a Virtual Office for Startups and Small Business
• 8 Features of Using Mailroom Software